As this month saw English Wine Week, and as here at SE HQ we have taken our research into this very seriously, we thought we’d highlight some of the great Sussex wines we’ve tried this month.
Some we drank at home, some we drank at the cellar door and some we drank while out and about, but we tried very hard to leave no stone unturned, and no cork uncorked.
Rathfinny Cradle Valley
Rathfinny has a stunning location right on the top of the South Downs in between Alfriston and Seaford, and they are best known for their sparkling wines. However, they also produce a range of still wines under their Cradle Valley label, made with their Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc (and occasionally their Chardonnay). Their Pinot Blanc is light and crisp and went down a treat at the beginning of the month with hints of citrus, peach and grapefruit.
Wiston
Fans of Blanc de Blancs should make their way to Wiston where their 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs NV is fresh, appley and with a flintiness. Very quaffable, especially if you’re drinking it in situ at Wiston right at the foot of the Downs.
Roebuck
Roebuck Estates near Petworth have views across the vines towards the South Downs. Their Classic Cuvée has a wonderful baked apple and brioche flavour but we were also quite smitten with the raspberry notes of their Rosé de Noir.
Kinsbrook
Back on the still wine, make your way to Kinsbrook.
Their Kin 22 is made with six grape varieties including Reichensteiner, Pinot Gris, Bacchus, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Précoce. It’s their flagship wine and limited edition.
Leonardslee
Leonardslee has just released three wines; their Blanc de Blancs, their Brut Reserve and their Brut Rosé. It was hard to pick a favourite (and we did try all three) but it was probably the Brut Reserve which is fresh, with a mix of green apple, berry, and subtle brioche.
Nutbourne
At Nutbourne, despite a fab range of wines, it had to be the Sussex Reserve as the winner which is crisp, dry and fresh with fruity flavours.
Henners
Another favourite Sussex still wine is the Henners Gardner Street Rosé. Zesty with slight minerality, it was the perfect way to end the month. Henners are based near Herstmonceux in East Sussex.
Happy quaffing.
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